East Devon District Council Countryside Team Supports Young People Through Exeter Chiefs Engage Programme

The East Devon District Council Countryside Team recently welcomed a group of young people to Clyst Meadows Local Nature Reserve for a day of hands-on volunteering.

The East Devon District Council Countryside Team recently welcomed a group of young people to Clyst Meadows Local Nature Reserve for a day of hands-on volunteering.

The Exeter Chiefs Engage Provision uses the values of rugby to inspire, support and educate young people aged 11-16 years old who are disengaged from mainstream education and in need of additional support, to regain control of their academic pathway.

While the Countryside Team has hosted Engage sessions for several years, this was the first time they held a session at Clyst Meadows a newly acquired site which is part of the larger Clyst Valley Regional Park and close to the Exeter Chiefs’ base on the outskirts of Exeter.

During the session, eight young people worked alongside the Countryside Rangers to collect and stack firewood that had previously been cleared as part of the site’s development. This wood will be turned into sustainable charcoal, which will be sold to support the Countryside Team’s ongoing conservation efforts.

Cllr Geoff Jung, Portfolio Holder Coast, Country and Environment said:

“Inspiring young people to spend time outdoors is always important to the Countryside Team, but perhaps even more so on this occasion, where our rangers were able to host eight young people who are struggling in the traditional school environment. The teenagers worked hard at Clyst Meadows clearing wood for charcoal creation, and all left very muddy—with big smiles on their faces.”

Countryside Ranger, Ben Morgan-Brown said:

“It’s always great to have the Exeter Chiefs Engage team out on site and, despite the drizzle and muddy conditions, everyone put in a good shift moving the wood and working together effectively as a team – and we got the task done much quicker than I could’ve without their support!”

The Countryside Team and the Engage Programme are already discussing future sessions at Clyst Meadows to continue providing young people with opportunities to connect with nature and develop practical skills.

Lewis Griffith, Community Department Education Manager said:

“At Engage, we understand the school environment isn’t suited to everyone. Many young people experience mental health challenges, learning difficulties, behavioural problems and past traumas that can affect their education. Through the Engage programme the Countryside Team provides our young people with invaluable opportunities to work practically and contribute to long-term site management and conservation goals.

“The Countryside Team provide our young people with invaluable opportunities to work practically and contribute to long-term site management and conservation ambitions.”

Find out more about the Exeter Chiefs Engage programme here: Chiefs Engage Alternative Provision.

Discover the work of the East Devon District Council Countryside Team here: Wild East Devon.